1. Green
The greenest bananas are the most beneficial to those who are trying to keep control over their blood sugar levels. Green bananas are extremely low on the glycemic index, making them the ideal snack for those who have to keep blood sugar levels low.
These younger and greener bananas also cause longer periods of satiety. Feeling less hungry means you will eat less, thus reducing the chances that you might overeat unhealthy snacks.
With insulin resistance being the number one risk factor for type 2 diabetes, the resistant starch present almost exclusively in unripe bananas is the most helpful inclusion.
2. Firm and all yellow
At this stage, there are no spots on the peels or on the fruit itself. These are very healthy for you and have a much sweeter flavor than green bananas.
Because it is easier for your body to digest the yellow bananas, they’re a great snack for people suffering from any digestive issues. While the resistant starch level decreases with yellowing, it is replaced by a large number of antioxidants, which protect your body from disease by removing dangerous free radicals.
The antioxidants found in yellow bananas, including dopamine, reduce the risk of heart disease as well as degenerative diseases.
It is important to note that the dopamine from bananas does not act like the feel-good chemical found in your brain. This dopamine never crosses the blood-brain barrier, so it only acts in antioxidant roles rather than mood-altering ones.
3. Yellow with brown spots
The spotted yellow banana is a bit older but still contains lots of antioxidants. As bananas move beyond their ripe stage, they contain to break down into more sugars and antioxidants. While still healthy, and generally the most popular taste-wise, the healthiest stages of the banana have gone passed.
4. Brown or mostly brown
Apparently, the more dark spots a banana has, the more anti-cancerous properties it offers. This is a result of the increased levels of TNF.
Moreover, as they ripen, the concentrations of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants in the bananas increase. Japanese researchers have proven that fully ripened bananas are the highest in potassium, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like B and C. Ripe bananas help the digestive system, and treat digestive issues, like constipation.
They contain tryptophan which helps to reduce stress and anxiety and is also rich in nutrients that specifically promote muscle and bone health.
The Bottom Line
You already know that bananas are good for you, but did not know that the bananas you grab each day can deliver different benefits? They make a convenient snack, are filling, and are great for digestion, heart health, and even cancer treatment.
In fact, bananas are one of the most convenient snacks available. They can be added to cereal, smoothies, and used instead of sugar when baking.
Bananas also rarely contain pesticides or pollutants thanks to their strong, thick protective peels. They are easy to transport, tolerated by most people, and easy to digest.
There are so many reasons to add bananas to your diet. Now you also know that you can select your bananas according to specific benefits that you are seeking.
They taste good, they are good for you, and now you know the secret color code to really boost your health.
